Updated September 2026
A single-member company allows one investor to establish a separate legal person without appointing a nominal partner. It is distinct from a sole proprietorship and can provide limited liability when properly operated.
Suitable cases
- A genuine sole investor.
- A desire to separate personal and business assets.
- No immediate need for multiple shareholders.
- A plan that may later admit investors through a lawful restructuring.
Key requirements
The file includes name clearance, the founder’s identity documents, a compliant power of attorney, bank evidence of paid capital, foreign-founder or foreign-manager inquiry forms, auditor details and any activity approval.
Foreign corporate founder
If an overseas company is the founder, its constitutional documents, current registry extract, corporate approval and signatory authority must be legalised and translated.
Governance
The manager’s powers, banking authority, related-party transactions and separation of funds should be documented. Using company accounts as personal funds undermines governance and can create liability and tax issues.
